MIAMI.- Florida is the most at-risk state for cyclists in the United States with an increase in fatal bicycle accidents, according to a new study by Ohio personal injury law firm John Fitch.
According to figures from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), in the Sunshine State at least 18 people a day are hit by a car while riding a bicycle.
According to analysis by John Fitchwhich used data from accident reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2022 Florida recorded 223 fatal bicycle accidents.
In total, there were 3,298 fatal accidents in Florida, the second highest total in the country. In addition, the Florida entity also has the highest percentage of fatal cyclist accidents with 6.76%.
States with the most accidents
The town with the most fatal accidents in the entire national territory is California with 4,109. The Golden State also ranked second as the city with the most deaths from bicycle accidents with a total of 176.
Hawaii had the second highest percentage of bicycle incidents at 6.31%. Of a total of 111 fatal crashes in the state, seven were fatal crashes involving a cyclist.
Louisiana, Utah, New York and California follow with the highest percentage of fatal accidents involving a cyclist, with percentages between 5.4% and 4.28%.
Among the safest states for cyclists are Nebraska and Rhode Island, the only states without deadly coalitions of people on a bicycle.
This is not the only ranking that Florida has topped in terms of deaths and injuries related to this means of transportation. A report from Sweeney Merrigan Law LLP ranked the Sunshine State as the most dangerous for cyclists.
Based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this study suggested that Jacksonville ranks third among the unsafe cities for cyclists in Florida.
The investigation also indicated that in the city 3.30% of traffic accident deaths occurred with bicycles.
Precautionary measures
Given this situation, road safety experts and legal professionals specializing in accidents and personal injuries emphasize the importance of implementing preventive measures to guarantee the safety of cyclists.
Among which the importance of road safety education and guidance for cyclists stands out, in addition to respect and knowledge of traffic laws applicable to bicycles to reduce the number of accidents.
In addition, they emphasize that the use of safety equipment, such as helmets and brightly colored clothing, is essential to increase the visibility and protection of cyclists.
The use of bicycle lanes and sidewalks, as well as insistence on compliance with traffic regulations, are key elements in strategies to reduce risks and protect the lives of cyclists.
@Lydr05
Source: With information from Ohio personal injury law firm John Fitch
